Moving the Needle

Written by Don Crocker, CEO/Executive Director, Support Center for Nonprofit Management

My four year old granddaughter enjoys our visits and is never happy when “suddenly” we are on our way.

We’ve learned that it is better to plan our departure and to give her a “heads-up” on the timing of when we will be headed out.

Don Crocker with granddaughter Haley

While she might still ask for us to stay (and play) a little while longer, the transition out toward home is always less dramatic and better accepted when it is planned.

Transitions are also challenging for CEOs in the nonprofit sector.  Sudden transition can lead to funder anxiety, board upheaval, and a drop in staff morlale.  Even a healthy organization can experience a significant loss of momentum when the CEO leaves.

Grantmakers want to know when a leadership transition is happening at one of their funded nonprofits.  A surprise – such as hearing such news “through the grapevine” – never lands well on a funder.

Successful nonprofit leadership transitions are hard work, requiring self-scrutiny, planning for the short and longer-term, and getting input from key partners.

Succession planning is helpful and an effective transition takes time – usually 6 – 9 months (the Support Center way) and additional financial resources to support the change.

Grantmakers are often willing to stay with thier favorite nonprofits during a transition and make this investment for nonprofits when they know the organization is being thoughtful and doing the hard planning necessary for future success.

Not all CEO transitions can be planned to the letter - life happens.

But pre-planning (succession planning and emergency succession planning) and transiton management can create a safety net for your organization.

Letting your funders know in a timely manner and asking for their advice and support when change is in the air, can soften what might otherwise turn out to be a rocky road ahead.

>>> Executive Transition Management

Written by Alicia D’Amico, Executive Assistant, Marble Collegiate Churches

The highlight of the process was the realization by committee members that nurturing stewardship was both essential and doable for the benefit of the organization, its mission, and congregants.

The Support Center’s Senior Fellow, John Brothers, did an excellent job of keeping everyone on task and moving forward, adjusting to challenges.

His wealth of experience, knowledge, and expertise shined through. We were thrilled with his work, and
we anticipate using the Support Center again in the future.

The project manager learned a lot by watching John work, and how he guided the ‘angle’ of completing the organizational audit and seeing all parts of the process as telling and valuable.

>>> Executive Transition Management

Written by Don Crocker, Executive Director/CEO, Support Center

Nonprofit organizations and their boards are experiencing a “double whammy.”

Too many of our most essential nonprofit organizations are losing their leaders while at the same time they are dealing with the loss of essential funding to meet their missions and serve their communities.

The challenge of overcoming budget decreases without a competent, knowledgeable leader can be overwhelming and paralyzing.

Don Crocker

The economy is driving the budget woes, while the stress of leading a nonprofit in the current environment and the retirement of baby boomers – many who founded their nonprofit organizations 20 to 30 years ago – is driving large numbers of nonprofit executives to leave their positions.

With assistance, nonprofits can manage these transitions and philanthropy can help!

Foundations and other donors can assist struggling nonprofit organizations to capitalize on the opportunities for not only finding the right next leaders, but also for assessing organizational viability and future direction.

A number of national and local foundations have already developed successful models for supporting transitions.  These foundations provide funding that supports Executive Transition Management (ETM) services.

Executive transition management services consist of a menu of  services that can be provided by a management support organization like the Support Center to guide a nonprofit board through the transition process.

Grantmakers are urged to seize a “pivotal moment” by supporting the development of and access to ETM services.

Funding for executive transition management services can help nonprofit boards avoid organizational havoc and instead capitalize on the transition opportunity by re-thinking the organization’s viability and sustainability, and by planning thoughtfully for the organization’s future.

ETM services offer a unique approach to leadership search and transition, redefining search services by adding essential components that include organization assessment, engagement of all key stakeholders, and clear communication about the future direction and sustainability of the organization.

The Support Center for Nonprofit Management has assumed an important role in the delivery of executive transition management services here in the Tri-State region.

For more information email Don Crocker at DC@supportcenteronline.org

Written by Pat Richter, Interim Director of Consulting, Support Center

The Support Center’s Executive Transition Management philosophy is based on the intentional use of change as a “pivotal moment” in the life of an organization.

We are working with Rockland Independent Living Center (RILC) to maintain a stable, well-managed organization while conducting a transition to prepare for the next CEO.

The Support Center is assisting RILC through referral of a trained Interim Executive Director augmented by an experienced Transition Management consultant to support and guide the Board of Directors through the search process.

Interim Executive Director

One of the key roles of the Interim Executive Director is to provide stability and support to the staff, boosting morale and insuring that necessary work gets done.  With the support of the Board, the Interim may address and resolve as many issues as possible to lessen pressures on the incoming director.

Areas that the Interim Executive Director may focus on include staff supervision, program management, monitoring revenue and expenses, contract fulfillment, infrastructure, communications, and grant or contract renewals.

Transition Consultant

The Support Center is providing an experienced Transition Consultant to work with the Board of Directors towards identifying the next leader.  With the consultant dedicated to the Board, the search and retention of the new CEO will be more effective and efficient.

Pat Richter

Services may include:

• Guidance on communications to stakeholders (including funders) about leadership transition and final selection of new leader
• Facilitating discussions to identify skills and experience needed to lead the organization and creation of job description, salary, and job postings
• Tapping resources of board members and stakeholder to develop strategies for attracting qualified candidates
• Assistance with resume review, ranking, interview questions, rating tools, and in-person interviews
• Assistance with making an offer and negotiating with final candidate
• Setting up a system for on-boarding of the new director that includes the Interim Executive Director
• Insuring shared clarity for the new chief executive and Board on performance expectations

We look forward to working with Rockland Independent Living Center!